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Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food that will warm your heart and soul. Tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy, savory broth all come together in the slow cooker for an effortless and satisfying meal. This classic dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, and the best part is that it requires minimal prep and uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. With the slow cooker doing all the hard work, you can enjoy a hearty and flavorful dinner with ease. There’s nothing quite like homemade chicken and dumplings, and this recipe brings that comforting, nostalgic taste to your table without the fuss.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup sliced celery
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the sliced carrots and celery on top.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  3. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot.
  4. Add the Cream and Vegetables: Stir in the cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, and frozen peas. Mix until well combined.
  5. Add the Dumplings: Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters and place them on top of the chicken mixture. Press them down slightly so that they are partially submerged in the broth.
  6. Cook the Dumplings: Cover and cook on high for an additional 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the biscuit dough is cooked through and fluffy.
  7. Serve: Once the dumplings are cooked, ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish!

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Dumplings: Make sure the dumplings are evenly spaced on top of the chicken mixture, with enough space for them to expand as they cook.
  • Use Cold Biscuit Dough: Keep the biscuit dough cold until you’re ready to add it to the crock pot. Cold dough helps create fluffy dumplings.
  • Shred Chicken Easily: You can shred the chicken quickly using a hand mixer on low speed if you prefer not to use forks.
  • Add Vegetables of Your Choice: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or green beans to enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the dish.

Recipe Variations

  • Cheesy Chicken and Dumplings: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture along with the cream of chicken soup for an extra cheesy version.
  • Spicy Chicken and Dumplings: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Herb Dumplings: Add a teaspoon of dried parsley or Italian seasoning to the biscuit dough for herb-flavored dumplings.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free biscuit dough and substitute the cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free version to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. They add extra flavor and tenderness to the dish.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, add the biscuit dough and cook until the dumplings are done.

Q: Can I use homemade dumplings instead of biscuit dough?
A: Absolutely! You can use homemade dumpling dough if you prefer. Just drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the chicken mixture and cook until fluffy and cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

  • With a Side Salad: Serve this comforting dish with a simple green salad to add some freshness to the meal.
  • Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious, creamy broth.
  • Mashed Potatoes: For an extra comforting dinner, serve the chicken and dumplings over a bed of mashed potatoes.

Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for cozy nights at home. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare, and the tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings make it a meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re enjoying it with your family or sharing it with friends, this classic comfort food is sure to bring warmth and happiness to your table. Give it a try, and enjoy the rich, nostalgic flavors of homemade chicken and dumplings!

 

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